10. Kenyatta Jackson Jr EDGE
Kenyatta Jackson Jr is a 6'6 265-pound edge rusher who could provide instant help to an NFL team. The senior at Ohio State this year has had a productive year next to Arvell Reese, Caden Curry, and Kayden McDonald. He has had 6.5 sacks this year, with his notable performances coming against Penn State (2 sacks) and Indiana (1 sack). With a strong CFP, I wouldn't be surprised to see Kenyatta Jackson Jr get his name called in April
9. Max Klare TE
Max Klare, the Purdue transfer, has been a productive player for the Buckeyes. In his first year with Ohio State, he's had 43 catches for 448 yards, while also dominating as a pass blocker and run blocker in the trenches. Although Klare isn't the flashiest player on Ohio State, with weapons Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate having the most production, he was substantial to the Buckeyes with those guys dealing with injury.
Klare had his biggest game against Rutgers, where he had 7 catches for 105 yards and a TD. The junior has had a pretty productive 3-year college career and if he decides to enter the draft this year, he will gain interest from lots of NFL teams needing tight-end help
8. Davison Igbinosun CB
Davison Igbinosun has been one of Ohio State's starting corners for the last 3 years. The senior has had 3 very productive years with the Buckeyes, tallying 25 PDs and 4 Ints. His 6'2, 195-pound frame makes him very intriguing for NFL teams with his mix of speed and size.
Igbinosun has the chance to boost his draft stock in the CFP playoff with the opportunity to play well against the best wide receivers in college football. The senior has had both of his Ints in his last 2 games against Michigan and Indiana, suggesting that he is just hitting his stride and his best football might be ahead of him
7. Austin Siereveld OT
Austin Siereveld has garnered a lot of NFL draft interest as the season has gone on. Siereveld, a junior, has a 6'5 325-pound frame and has started in all 13 games this year for the Buckeyes. Siereveld has played great football just allowing 2 QB hits and 0 sacks. If Siereveld plays well in the CFP playoff and if he decides to enter the draft, he will be one of the most coveted tackle prospects
6. Caden Curry DL
Caden Curry has had a breakout year with the Buckeyes that I think no one really expected. Curry has been nothing short of spectacular this year for the Buckeyes, as he has had 60 total tackles and 11 sacks this year alone.
The senior and 4-year Buckeye has shot up the draft boards recently, and he still has an entire CFP playoff run to add to it. Being listed a 6'3 260 pounds, Curry lines up as a DT and an EDGE and can dominate in both spots, making him versatile. NFL teams will be very interested in Curry when the season ends, as he prepares for the combine
5. Kayden McDonald DL
Kayden McDonald has been extremely productive on the Ohio State defensive front this year. Although he doesn't really have the stats, the advanced stats show that he is getting to the quarterback and pushing the pocket well enough. McDonald has 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this year for the Buckeyes.
The junior has a chance to continue to add to these stats in the playoffs, and I expect him to show up in the stat sheet during the most meaningful games. PFF graded him an 89.0 through all 13 games, and the 6'3 326-pound DL has the tools to play great in the NFL for defensive line-needy teams
4. Sonny Styles LB
Sonny Styles is a very unique player. He started his career at Ohio State as a safety, and because of his speed and athleticism, he has converted to linebacker. In 2024, he had 100 tackles and 6 sacks, and now in 2025 has had 81 tackles with the season still ongoing.
Styles is very unique with a 6'3 243-pound frame and is extremely quick, allowing him to be noticeable all over the field. In all 13 games, he has shown his worth, and NFL teams will definitely be interested when the combine comes around
3. Carnell Tate WR
Carnell Tate has continued on with the talent of Ohio State's WR history, and he is another one growing into a superstar. Tate is a very smart player and, early in the season, was Julian Sayin's favorite target because of his excellent route running and separation.
Tate has had 833 yards on 48 catches while scoring 9 TDs. He also has an average of 17.5 yards per catch, showing how dominant he is when the ball is in his hands. Tate has played in 10 of the 13 games this year, showing his stats would be even better had he been healthy for those games. The NFL recognizes Tate's talent, and he is projected to be drafted in the 1st round in April
2. Arvell Reese LB/EDGE
Arvell Reese is such a unique player with all the different tools he brings to the football field. Reese plays a hybrid linebacker and edge rusher role for the Buckeyes. He drops into coverage and can get after the quarterback at an alarmingly fast rate.
Reese has had 6.5 sacks this year with 62 total tackles. Reese has been a breakout player this year for the Buckeyes, and the junior will likely enter the draft, considering he's been mocked at the top of the draft board in the 1st round. Come April, Reese will be one of the highly selected players in the NFL draft
1. Caleb Downs S
Caleb Downs is one of the most coveted college football players this year. Downs can do it all as he won the 2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe award for the nation's best defensive back. A 6'0 205-pound frame with excellent speed and ball skills, Downs has 60 total tackles and 2 Ints for the Buckeyes and has also scored a punt return for a touchdown earlier this year.
The junior will likely enter the draft and has been mocked in the top 10 in the 1st round. NFL teams will likely think very highly of him, and his game should translate to the NFL immediately. He's an NFL-ready guy as he has dominated college football over the last 3 years.